Impersonalize

To remove personal elements, emotions, or human characteristics from something, often to make it objective, detached, or standardized. This process can be applied to various contexts, including communication, interactions, systems, or even artistic expression. It can involve the simplification of processes, the removal of subjective viewpoints, or the reliance on data and logic over individual feelings or preferences. The goal of impersonalization is typically efficiency, fairness, or a broader application. It can also mean to treat someone or something in an aloof, formal, or uncaring manner, lacking empathy or warmth. It stands in direct contrast to personalization, which focuses on individual needs and tailored experiences.

Impersonalize meaning with examples

• The company aimed to impersonalize customer service by implementing a chatbot. This standardized approach, though efficient, drew criticism as customers felt the interaction lacked empathy. Many found themselves frustrated by the lack of personal touch and difficulty in resolving complex issues. This strategy, while cost-effective, alienated some of its customer base by dehumanizing interactions.
• The artist, feeling constrained by personal emotions, decided to impersonalize their art. They used geometric shapes and abstract forms to remove any direct reference to the human figure or narrative. This deliberate impersonalization, focused on pure aesthetics and form, allowed viewers to interpret the work without being influenced by the artist's personal history.
• To ensure fairness, the grading system was designed to impersonalize the evaluation of student assignments. The names were removed from the papers, and grading rubrics were strictly adhered to. This allowed the teachers to assess the work without being influenced by their prior relationships with the students, helping ensure impartiality in the results.
• The bureaucratic processes in the government tend to impersonalize citizen interactions. Citizens often feel like a number, lost in a maze of procedures, and lacking meaningful personal attention. This system, while designed for universal application, can result in feelings of isolation and frustration as needs feel unaddressed within the impersonalized system.